Duncanrig Rambling Club’s latest outing took them to the Borders for a pair of walks near the town of Peebles. The main walk, an 8-mile circular, started in Peebles itself and climbed almost 1500 feet to Dunslair Heights which dominate the town on the north-east side while the alternative walk followed the River Tweed for 8 miles from near Stobo Castle passing Lyne Station and Neidpath Castle en route before finishing in Peebles. The route of the main walk, after a short climb, followed a good land rover track lined with a variety of trees which created a dappled effect for more than a mile with pleasant views up the glen of Soonhope Burn.  The walkers had to lose height on a rough grassy path and regain it in order to cross the burn before entering Glentress Forest on tracks which were now muddy in places as they approached the outdoor centre at Shieldgreen where the real ascent began. The surprisingly mild and bright weather soon had the hikers shedding layers and a cooling light shower of rain was not unwelcome. Climbing 850 feet over a mile on narrow tracks soon had the pulse rate up with all too infrequent good excuses to stop and enjoy the view which at this stage was somewhat obscured by the dense woodland. One opportunity was the site of a ruined hilltop tower which must have afforded an excellent vista in its day. When the group emerged about half a mile from the highest point the walking route at this point shared a track with mountain bikers who flock to Glentress to enjoy the thrill of its demanding tracks and some care was required. The view from the top over the sunlit patchwork of fields and the typical rolling hills was more than adequate compensation for the exertion. The highlight of the descent was a visit to a reconstruction of an Iron Age house whose primitive simplicity contrasted starkly with the modern villa basking in the sun’s low rays in the valley below. The alternative walkers enjoyed a gently descending ramble in pleasant sunshine with the occasional slight detour to avoid the worst of the water hazards left by the recent rain. The good paths allowed them to lift their gaze and fully enjoy the surrounding hills and the late colour on the remaining leaves. Both parties met up in Peebles for a refreshing social hour to complete a carefree day